At Jackson County Public Health, we believe public health is more than just healthcare. Laws and policies play a vital role in shaping the health and safety of our communities.
The Missouri General Assembly officially wrapped up its 2025 session on May 15th. Ahead of the session, Jackson County Public Health identified key policy priorities aimed at improving the health of all Missourians.
Our 2025 Missouri Legislative Wrap-Up provides a quick overview of what was achieved—and what it means for public health moving forward.
1. Support Public Health Funding & Capacity
Fully fund DHSS budget request, including funds for local public health agencies
The Missouri General Assembly passed a budget that included the full requested amount of $1.15 million for local public health agencies.
Preserve evidence-based vaccine requirements for school admission
The Missouri General Assembly successfully preserved evidence-based vaccine requirements for school admissions. These requirements help protect students from disease outbreaks, such as measles.
Establish comprehensive demographic data standards
While a bill was introduced in past sessions that would establish statewide comprehensive standards for health data, no such bills were introduced this year.
2. Support for Missouri Families
Provide childcare tax credits for businesses, providers, and families
For the second year in a row, a major priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle failed to get across the finish line. The bill that would have boosted childcare infrastructure across the state was passed out of the House, but failed to get a final vote in the Senate before time ran out.
Establish a Restaurant Meals Program for MO SNAP recipients
The federal government allows states to establish Restaurant Meals Programs as part of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This would allow SNAP recipients who can’t cook due to physical limitations or who do not have access to a full kitchen use their benefits to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants or grocery stores. While a bill to establish this program in Missouri was introduced, it failed to get a committee hearing.
Require healthcare providers to screen perinatal and postpartum women for mental health conditions
Mental health conditions are the most common pregnancy complication in the United States. A bill that would have required providers to screen perinatal women for a range of mental health conditions was introduced, but never received a committee hearing.
3. Increase Access to Harm Reduction Strategies
Ensure high-risk populations have access to naloxone
Some states have authorized or even explicitly mandated schools to carry naloxone, ensuring that a key demographic group – teens – has access to life-saving medication. A bill that would have required all high school students to receive training on naloxone administration and require schools to set procedures on naloxone use and administration in schools was introduced, but never received a committee hearing.
Legalize syringe service programs
Syringe service programs are an essential harm reduction practice, but they are outlawed in Missouri due to the state’s drug paraphernalia laws. For several years in a row, bills that would change these laws and allow these programs to operate have been introduced but seen little movement. 2025 saw more of this same pattern, with a bill being introduced in the Senate but failing to receive a committee hearing.
Thank you for reading our 2025 Missouri Legislative Wrap Up. To learn more about Jackson County Public Health’s policy priorities and their impact on public health, see our full 2025 Policy Agenda.
